New Delhi, May 7, 2025 — The Government of India on Wednesday firmly asserted that the missile strikes carried out under ‘Operation Sindoor’ were a calibrated and responsible response aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and neutralizing threats originating from across the border. Officials emphasized that the operation was not an act of escalation, but a necessary measure following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives.
In a joint press briefing addressed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sophia Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, the government outlined the rationale behind India’s recent precision strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Targets included Jaish-e-Mohammed’s headquarters in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s stronghold in Muridke.
The operation was launched two weeks after the Pahalgam massacre on April 22, in which several civilians, most of them tourists, were killed. Misri stated that despite international condemnation, including a press statement from the United Nations Security Council stressing the need to hold perpetrators and sponsors accountable, Pakistan took no visible action to curb terror activities from its soil. Instead, Misri noted, the neighbouring country continued to deny involvement and evade responsibility.
As per agency report, the Indian intelligence apparatus provided credible evidence that new attacks against Indian interests were being plotted from these terror hubs, prompting pre-emptive strikes. Misri said India acted in line with its right to self-defence, particularly after Pakistani authorities failed to act on their own.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted that the purpose of the Pahalgam attack was to disrupt peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir and to instigate communal disharmony. The government's internal investigation traced clear links to Pakistani-based operatives and identified those involved in the planning and execution of the assault.
Misri clarified that the strikes were limited in scope, targeted only specific terror infrastructure, and were executed with restraint. The aim was to send a clear signal to those plotting attacks while avoiding civilian harm or broadening the conflict.
The press conference concluded with a reiteration that India will continue to safeguard its sovereignty and citizens by decisively responding to threats and maintaining pressure on nations that provide sanctuary to terrorist elements.
